Synthesis Essay A synthesis essay is not a summary of the text. Specifically, a synthesis essay attempts to prove a universal truth about life, people, or relationships by illustrating that truth with illustrations from more than one literary source. When you synthesize sources you refer to them to develop your position and cite them accurately. Your argument should be central; the sources should support this argument. Avoid merely summarizing sources. For your thesis, use the thematic topic of :The American Dream. A thesis should be something you are trying to prove; it is your argument. This assignment requires you to synthesize the two excerpts from Becoming by Michelle Obama into a coherent, well-written essay. Assignment ● Write a five paragraph essay on one of the thematic topics of The American ● Synthesize both excerpts for support Your essay must address one of the following questions on the topic: 1. Is Michele Obama an example of The American Dream? 2. Is the American Dream attainable for everyone? *Hint: this is the question your thesis statement will answer. Synthesis Essay Outline Introduction Paragraph ● Attention Grabber ● Briefly Summarize the Excerpt from Becoming by Michelle Obama ● Preview the main points of the essay ● Thesis Statement (should address one or both of the questions on topic) Body Paragraph 1 (Your first piece of support for your Thesis) ● Topic Sentence ● Elaborate on Topic Sentence ● Provide Examples/EVidence/Quotation ● Explain the significance of the evidence/quotation Body Paragraph 2 (Your first piece of support for your Thesis) ● Topic Sentence ● Elaborate on Topic Sentence ● Provide Examples/EVidence/Quotation ● Explain the significance of the evidence/quotation Body Paragraph 3 (Your first piece of support for your Thesis) ● Topic Sentence ● Elaborate on Topic Sentence ● Provide Examples/EVidence/Quotation ● Explain the significance of the evidence/quotation Conclusion ● Restate Thesis Statement ● Summarize your three Body Paragraphs ● Discuss how the ideas in your three Body Paragraphs support your Thesis Statement.
